Washington (CNN) - Activists advocating congressional representation for the District of Columbia had a clear message at a rally Saturday in Washington: "President Obama, stand up for D.C."

Several hundred residents gathered Saturday morning at a rally organized by D.C. Vote, a voting-rights organization. The rally was a response to legislative moves by the U.S. House of Representatives to restrict the city's use of local tax revenue, demanding the right for representation in Congress and fighting for the right to statehood.FULL POST

Washington (CNN) - District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton lashed out at Congress over the budget battle on Capitol Hill, saying it's time the District of Columbia "told the Congress to go straight to hell."

The Democratic non-voting member of Congress represents many of those who would be affected by a possible government shutdown. President Obama and congressional leaders are currently negotiating a deal to try to avoid a shutdown when the current continuing resolution that funds the government expires Friday. A visibly agitated Norton criticized members of Congress for their treatment of her constituents.FULL POST